"What do we do now that she's here." Quinn asked as she stood in a room watching Santana who was lying on the chair in the middle of a white room.
"I honestly have no idea." Holly said, clearly frustrated. "I tried her myself, I know how stubborn she is, without the training. If we push her it's just going to send her right back to Karpov. The woman was clearly upset and Quinn could tell by the look on her face that for the first time, possibly ever, Holly Holiday had no idea what to do. "The biggest problem is that he's used just enough of the truth to trick her mind into thinking that it's right."
"Don't say what I think you're going to say." Quinn was visibly becoming more upset and it was getting harder and harder to keep the tears in.
"I think our best option might be to let her go. She's going to fight us. I was in there talking to her Quinn and she wasn't phased. The more we fight her the more her mind is going to fight us. You know exactly how Santana is, and how she works. Once her defenses go up we'll never get in. The doctors said our best shot and her remembering is for her mind to do it on its own, when it thinks no one is trying break in."
Quinn threw the cup she was holding against the wall and watched it crash into a thousand little pieces. This was her best friend they were talking about, the girl she went to high school with, the girl she stayed up studying with. These past few months had been killing her and it was all starting to boil over. She vowed to herself, to Brittany, to Holly that if she got the chance she'd kill Karpov, they just hadn't known she made that vow. She knew that Holly and Brittany both missed the girl to but they didn't see her everyday, they didn't have the key to her house. They weren't the ones responsible for taking care of Gus in her absence. More than that no one else had ever promised Santana that they'd have her back no matter what, and that she'd never be left behind. Feeling the tears start to rise up in her she stormed out of the room, not wanting Holly to see her cry.
"Quinn Fabray you were not dismissed." Holly yelled after her as she followed Quinn down the corridor. "I know you miss her Quinn, I know it is eating you up inside, I've known you since you were a freshman in high school. I can see it everyday how much you miss her and I miss her too but if we have any shot at getting her back this is it. At least now we know that this is reversible and that she is healthy."
"How the fuck do you call that healthy?" Quinn yelled. This was no longer her taking to her superior it was her talking to the woman that picked her and Santana up when they were drunk beyond belief and the woman who was there when they graduated. This was just as much her aunt as she was Santana's godmother so on these rare occasions she got to talk to her like she was family.
"I know sweetie, I hate it as much as you do, I really do but I have to think with my head and not my heart because my heart is telling me that I would rather keep her locked in a cell than to send her back to that bastard!" Quinn saw it then, in Holly's eyes, that this was killing too.
"I'm not telling Brittany."
Holly nodded in understanding. "I'll take care of it."
Later that night Brittany sat in the same room that Quinn and Holly had stood in earlier looking at Santana. "I can't let you do that." Brittany said softly after hearing Holly's plan."Brittany we have no choice. I know it's hard but at least you get to see her and she likes you."
Brittany shook her head. "It's not the same, and I know how hard it is for you and Quinn and even Artie but this is different. She doesn't look at me the same way, she doesn't respond to me the same way."
"It's because her defenses are up, her body knows things that she doesn't. It'll come back to her and you're our best hope of that happening."
"How am I the best hope of that happening?"
Holly smiled at the blonde standing in front of her. "She has a connection with you, sometimes love can over power anything."
"But Santana wasn't in love with me." Brittany said sadly.
"Something in her goes crazy when you're around and I know that's not something you know but I'm telling you and I'm sure Quinn would tell you the same thing. You two have a connection that can't be changed or understood by brain wave activity, you can't measure someone's heart." Brittany nodded understanding what Holly was getting at.
"I don't trust him with her. God only knows what he'll send her into, she's expendable to him!"
Holly took a deep breath in. "I know I'm working on making finding out what Karpov is after so that I can have Quinn back her up whenever possible. I will always protect her as much as I can even if she doesn't know it."
Brittany nodded, she didn't like this idea at all but she didn't have a say in the matter. All she could do was try and get as close to Santana as possible and bring her back. "What was the point of bringing her if we're just going to send her back?"
"To make sure she was alright, to see what Karpov had really done. We will get her back, I won't rest until we do."
Switzerland – Two Days LaterSantana woke up in a hotel room. She had no idea how she ended up there or where she was now, all she knew was that her head was spinning like she had had too much to drink the night before.
Shaking her head she slowly managed to get out of bed. She walked over to the table that was in the room and found a phonebook. Opening it she read everything that was in French and realized that she was in Geneva. The last thing she remembered was being held in some white room that was far too comfortable to be a normal cell. She remembered a blonde woman trying to talk to her but the conversations were all fuzzy. Sometimes was familiar about her but she couldn't place it, like most things it was a black abyss in her mind.
She walked over to the curtain and opened them slowly, letting the sunlight peak through the room. Her eyes were sensitive and so it took her a minute to fully open them and take in the view. Once she got herself settled she picked up the phone and called down to the front desk. For whatever reason the minute the woman on the other end of the line answered the phone she was able to not only understand but also respond to her in fluent French. Apparently sometimes things just came back to you naturally. Once the woman told her how to dial out she dialed the number that Karpov instructed her to memorize.
"Santana?" She heard the worried Russian accent through the phone.
"It's me. I'm in Geneva."
"I'll be there in two hours. Keep tight."
Santana let out a soft chuckle. "You mean sit tight?"
"Yes, sit tight." She told him the name of the hotel and with that she heard the familiar click of the phone on the other end of the line end the call.
She got comfortable in bed, she was still tired and somewhat out of it. Her head was hurting like nobody's business and all she wanted to do was close her eyes. She knew if she did though that she wouldn't be awake for when Karpov showed up so instead she turned on the tv and relaxed against the headboard.
Meanwhile back in the states Brittany opened the door to her condo. It was large and spacious with high glass windows that let into a lot of light. She had bought herself the penthouse suite because she figured it was the most private and gave her the most space. When you traveled a great deal and never got time to be alone, when you came home it was all you really wanted to do. As much as she loved Rachel the woman could sometimes drive her crazy with all her annoying facts about everything. Even though it was had a lot of space Brittany had somehow made the condo feel homey, something about it seemed warm and welcoming.
Walking over to her fridge she smiled sadly as she looked at the note that was held up by a magnet. It was the one from her Christmas present that Santana had left for her. She leaned back against her counter and closed her eyes, Santana had been so close yet so far. The worst of it was that all she could do was stand behind a glass window and watch her girlfriend because the woman couldn't know that she had any part in her capture.
Reaching into the fridge she took out a bottle of water and moved into her living room where the blinds were shut letting no light shine into the room. She felt the way the room looked, black and empty. Sitting down on her couch she reached over and turned the lamp on illuminating the room but not her heart. Laying down she pulled the throw blanket over herself as she turned on the tv to watch some cartoons. Scooby Doo, Santana's favourite.
Instead of watching the cartoon her mind wandered to back to Christmas. The only time of year she really ever got to be herself, not a model, not a double agent, just Brittany S. Pierce.
New York City – Morning of Christmas EveBrittany woke up to the ringing of her cell phone. Rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand she reached over to her bedside table and picked the phone up without looking at the number. "Hello." She answered groggily, barely able to speak.
"Hi beautiful." As tired as she still was and as half asleep as she still was her lips turned up into a smile. Nothing ever beat hearing Santana's voice in the morning. Something about it always made her smile even if it was just a high.
"Mmm, it's always good to hear your voice in the morning."
She heard Santana laugh and her smile grew even bigger. As tough as their relationship was, with having to keep it a secret from pretty much everyone they knew sometimes all they had were these moments. Hearing each other laugh, or what the other sounded like when they woke up. "What can I say, I like to start your day off on the right foot."
"But I always get out of bed with my left foot first." Brittany said with a grin as she leaned up on her elbow.
Santana laughed again. "So very, at least now I know why you're bitchy most of the time."
"I am never…" Brittany let herself trail off, knowing exactly what game Santana was playing. "Funny, so funny Lopez. To what do I owe the pleasure of getting to wake up to a phone call from you?"
"I though you should open you're Christmas present, you know the one I gave you at the train station."
It was Brittany's turn to laugh. "You mean the one you left for me at the train station."
"I partially delivered, that has to count for something." Even without seeing her girlfriend Brittany knew the exact look that she was being given.
"Then you took off without a trace and left me looking around like a weirdo."
"You are a weirdo, but you're my weirdo. So get your cute little butt out of bed, go reach under the tree I know you have in your living room and open the one from me."
Brittany stretched with a slight yawn causing Santana to giggle affectionately at her before she stepped out of bed. Walking towards the living room she hit a button on the wall that let made the curtains go up. As much as she wanted to run over to the tree and grab the present she went towards the window and started jumping around happily. "It snowed!" She yelled into the phone. "Like real snow!"
Santana laughed once again. "Would you open your present already, it's been killing me that you don't know what it is and that it's just been sitting under your tree." Without another word Brittany started ripping the wrapping paper off the box. She grumbled when she got the paper and saw nothing but an ordinary cardboard box. She pulled the box open and look down at the black pieces of coal.
"Really Santana, you got me coal for Christmas?"
"It's for your fireplace." Brittany could tell Santana was grinning on the other end of the line but she was a little disappointed that this was all a joke. "Britt Britt, keep looking." Santana said after a few short minutes knowing that her girlfriend was sitting there pouting.
Brittany did as Santana said and started moving the pieces of coal around. When she caught a glimpse of what looked like a small leather wallet at the bottom of the box. Reaching in she pulled it out and looked at it, it definitely wasn't a wallet. She undid the button and opened it, a single ticket falling out. Picking it up she finally saw what it was. A front row seat to see the Nutcracker for tonight's show.
"Santana how did you get this, it must have cost you a fortune."
"Don't worry about it, I just want you to have fun and a nice night to enjoy something you love without having to worry about looking over your shoulder and without having to hear Rachel bicker with herself and everyone else. Brittany stayed quiet. "What's wrong, I thought you loved the Nutcracker."
"I do, its just," she paused trying to collect her emotions, "I just wish you could be here to see it with me ya know?"
"Believe me, if I could I would be there in less than a heartbeat but even though I won't be there, I want you to have fun and let loose. Let yourself be you because you are amazing, especially when you aren't trying to kick my ass."
Brittany nodded. "Okay, I will but know I'll be thinking about you."
"Oh and Britt, don't forget to read the note. I'll talk to you later, have a great day beautiful and you sound really sexy when you wake up. Merry Christmas love bug."
"Merry Christmas beautiful, don't work too hard."
"I promise I won't, I'm even about to head out and catch some waves before I head into work." Brittany smiled hearing the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore through the phone.
"San, one more thing."
Santana grinned. "Yeah?"
"Thank you."
With that Brittany hung up the phone and flopped back down onto her bed, letting her head crash onto the pillows. She rested the ticket on her chest and smiled as the thought of going to the show. She knew Santana had put a lot of thought into the gift and she couldn't have been happier with it, unless Santana was there with her. She laid in bed for awhile longer, her eyes closed thinking about what it would be like to really wake up with Santana. It was then that she remembered Siberia and what it felt like to hold Santana even though she had no idea that it had actually been her. The way her breathing steadied when slept and how her features softened like the world they lived in didn't exist.
Later that night Brittany checked herself in the mirror once again. She wore a simple black dress made her eyes look bluer than they already were. She had curled her hair in a way that gave it a slight wave and let it cascade over her shoulders. Her make up was simple, just enough to make her look fresh even though she was still exhausted from working so hard lately. Grabbing her purse off the hallway table she took one last look around her condo before she turned the lights off. When she got home she knew it'd be Christmas and that in the morning the Christmas feeling she had had all month would cease to exist like it always did on Christmas day. All the excitement would be over with in a matter of hours and though it seemed a little strange Christmas day was her least favourite day of the holiday season because it meant she had to wait another year to get that feeling again.
The feeling of warmth and happiness. The way she could walk the busy streets of New York City and have people smile at her that would normally never even look her way. The decorated store windows and the smell of fresh snow. New York was beautiful anytime of year but in the month of December there was just that extra little special something about it that made her happy.
As she made her way down the familiar street she noticed a little extra pep in her step even though it was a bit frosty outside. Thankfully with the snow fall the temperature had warmed slightly, cutting the harsh, bitter cold winter breeze that made it feel like you were cold inside. Brittany found herself humming Christmas carols that seemed to change whenever she passed another choir. Santana was right she did need this night to unwind and be herself without all the distractions her life brought.
When she had finally found the energy to get up from her bed earlier that morning she opened the envelope that was attached to her present.
I didn't just get you a ticket to a show, I made you reservations at Mangia Mangia for 8 p.m. The reservations are in your name, although I know you probably go there so regularly that they know exactly who you are. After the show, I want you to head over to Rockefeller Square and take in the lights, make the most out of tonight love bug. Merry Christmas
- Lots of love, Gus xoxo
She smiled to herself as she walked at Santana calling herself Gus, yet again. She didn't understand it and though she had asked Santana why Gus the woman never gave her a straight answer. She stopped outside the restaurant, it was a fair size and some what elegant yet not snooty or uptight. More than anything they had the best spaghetti ever and the place and quickly become one of Brittany's favourites after she had found the place years ago.
After giving the maitre de her name she was escorted to her table where she was brought a class of her favourite white wine right away that came with a small note. Santana had definitely covered all her bases and Brittany couldn't wipe the perma grin off of her face.
If I recall this is your favourite and I want nothing but the best for you tonight and every other night. Hope you enjoy dinner beautiful .
The letter wasn't signed but it didn't need to be, Brittany knew who it was from and that was all that mattered.
A few minutes later her waiter came by to take her order, spaghetti and meatballs of course. Even though it was quite busy her food came quickly, which was a good thing because she was starving. She looked around at the couples and families enjoying their dinners while soft Christmas music played through the speakers.
As she started mix her spaghetti around, blowing on it a little so that it would cool down quickly she was as a single spotlight shone on the small stage that she had never seen anyone use. A woman stepped out onto the stage as she took her first bite of food. Even while she chewed there was a smile on her face as the woman started to sing softly. Brittany had to admit that the woman's voice was heavenly and sensual all rolled into one.
Santa Baby, slip a sable under the tree, for me.
Been an awful good girl, Santa baby,
so hurry down the chimney tonight
Santa baby, a 54 convertible too,
Light blue.
I'll wait up for you dear,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Think of all the fun I've missed,
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed,
Next year I could be just as good,
If you'll check off my Christmas list.
Brittany looked up at the woman again and though she was sitting further away from her she could tell the woman was beautiful but even her beauty didn't compare to Santana's so she continued to eat, not paying the woman any more attention than listening to the song being sang. When the song ended everyone clapped as the woman walked off stage.
Once Brittany had finished eating the waiter came over and took her plate and wished her a goodnight and a Merry Christmas. "What about the bill?"
He smiled at her. "It seems as though that has been taken care of already."
Shaking her head slightly with a grin Brittany thanked the waiter and stood up, putting her coat back on. Santa baby was now playing in her head on repeat and by the time she had hailed a cab she was sure she had gone through the lyrics at least twice.
"Where to miss?" The cabbie asked as Brittany closed the door and put her seatbelt on. She looked up from her phone and gave him the address. "Off to see the Nutcracker?"
Brittany nodded, as she looked out the window at all the lights, people walking and people last minute shopping.
Twenty minutes later she paid the cab driver and stepped out of the car and looked up at the theater. Inhaling deeply, enjoying the crisp winter air she made her way inside. The usher led her to her seat just as the lights started to dim. She hated being late but dinner was too good to eat in a rush. In her mind she had made perfect timing.
As she sat watching the show she was baffled as how Santana figured out she'd like it. The woman didn't know her love of dance, it had never come up and when they were at the ball Brittany had made sure to mess up a few times so that no one knew how good of a dancer she actually was. Lost in her thoughts and the dancing she hadn't paid attention to the woman that had just sat down next to her. Her attention was fixed on the stage and when the woman said a polite apology Brittany nodded and smiled without taking her eyes off the dancers.
"Lovely night for a show isn't it." The woman whispered in her ear a little closer than Brittany would have liked, but she understood because it was quite loud in the room and hard to hear anything other than the music. There was a small break on the stage so Brittany took the opportunity to turn her head and smile at the woman. Turning her head, her mouth fell open and her jaw nearly hit the floor.
"But…" She let herself trail off as she watched the smile grow on Santana's face.
"You didn't think I'd let you go to a show on your own did you? I'm not that cheap." She whispered in her ear a little louder than she had before and it gave Brittany chills, the good kind that you didn't want to stop. Reaching over she took a hold of Santana's hand and tangled their fingers together on her lap as their attention went back to the show.
The only problem was now that Santana was here Brittany was having a hard time focusing her attention on the stage. She kept turning her head to take in the look on Santana's face. Never had she seen her features be so soft, so at ease, and so beautiful.
When the curtain dropped and the lights went on signaling intermission. Santana stood up and Brittany was waiting for her to walk away before she did the same but instead Santana stuck her hand out for Brittany to take a hold of. Santana smiled as she saw Brittany's eyes light up. "You aren't running off?"
Santana shook her head no. "You have me for the entire show. Crowded places are amazing, especially when you're home in California enjoying a nice family dinner."
"Wait how did you get here, I heard you this morning on the beach?" Brittany asked as they made their was towards the main entrance to look around at the souvenirs.
"Flights from California to New York aren't that long. I left just after I got off the phone with you, had plenty of time." Santana smiled at her as they stood close together and walked around. "Did you want a glass of wine or anything?"
Brittany thought for a second then smiled. "Only if you have one with me."
"Are you trying to get me drunk?" Santana whispered in her ear making the woman laugh slightly.
"You know it."
They walked towards the bar and waited in line before ordering and heading back to their seats. "How was dinner?"
"Absolutely amazing the food seemed better than normal and they had some live music which was the cherry on top of it all."
"Oh really? How was that?"
Brittany smiled as the lights started to dim again. "Incredible, she had one of those voices you feel like you could listen to for hours."
"Good, I'm glad you liked it."
"Thank you, for everything." She leaned over and kissed Santana's cheek lightly as the room went dark and the stage lights came on once again.
The two women held hands for the entire rest of the show and at one point Brittany had laid her head against Santana's shoulder. She was pretty sure in that moment she had never been more comfortable and more in awe of the performance going on in front of her. Something about having Santana around made everything that much better.
As the show was coming to an end Brittany felt Santana's hand pull away and a kiss on her cheek. "Merry Christmas beautiful, enjoy the lights and have a great rest of your night. Thanks for an awesome Christmas eve."
By the time the lights turned on and the dancers took their final bow Santana was gone. A part of Brittany felt heart broken that her girlfriend couldn't stay the night but she was also thankful at the huge risk Santana had taken to be with her even for a couple short hours. She waited for her turn to exit as she pulled her coat on and did it up. Taking the gloves out of her pocket she made sure to put them on before heading back out into the cold.
The theater wasn't too far from the square so she decided to walk. The store windows were all decorated beautifully and she loved getting to enjoy them. She let her mind wander off and dream about what it would be like to walk down the street with Santana. The other woman would probably laugh at her in an utterly adorable way, either that or she'd be more into it than Brittany was. For whatever reason as she let her mind think it over she decided that it would be the latter.
As she got to the square she noticed how busy it was and smiled at the trees filled with lights and the choir singing. People were skating and enjoying the weather even though it was quite cold. She stood in the middle of the square and spun around slowly making sure to take it all in. She always tried to enjoy every moment, with the line of work she was in you couldn't take the small things in life for granted.
"Excuse me miss, did you know that you were standing under mistletoe?"
"I'm pretty sure I'm not seeing as though I'm outside." Brittany said with a slight laugh as she turned around towards the person that was talking to her.
"I'm pretty sure you are." Brittany's eyes lit up as she wrapped her arms around the person's neck.
"How do you keep sneaking up on me Lopez?"
Santana smiled. "Perks of the job I guess." Santana wrapped one arm around Brittany's waist as she looked up causing Brittany to do the same.
"In public?" Brittany asked finally taking in Santana's appearance, the light in the theater hadn't done her justice.
Santana nodded. "In public."
Without wasting another moment Brittany cupped Santana's cheeks in her hands and softly kissed her girlfriend. They kissed for long moments as Santana moved her other hand that had been holding the mistletoe up and rested it on Brittany's hip.
"Best Christmas eve ever!" Brittany grinned as they pulled away.
Looking down at her watch Santana grinned. "Come on we better get you home before Santa Claus comes."
Brittany laughed loudly as she picked Santana up and spun her around. "You're the best."
Shrugging with a smile Santana wrapped her arms around Brittany's neck. "I know."
They walked back to Brittany's condo causing Santana to look up at the building before they walked in. "You live here?" Brittany nodded. "Right super model and all." Brittany laughed as she pressed the button for the elevator.
"Brittany it's beautiful." Santana said as she walked into her girlfriends apartment. The woman had put Christmas lights up everywhere and there was a big tree in her living room.
"It's alright I guess." Brittany said as she took Santana's coat off for her.
"What's that look for?" Santana asked as Brittany led her into the living room.
"I was wondering if you wanted to change into something more comfortable and watch some cartoons, I think Rudolph is on, ya know the old one." Santana gave her a knowing nod.
"I'd love too."
Brittany was beaming as she led Santana into her bedroom. The blonde disappeared into her walk in closet as Santana sat down on her bed. "Comfy?" Brittany asked when she stepped back into the room.
"Very." Santana winked as Brittany handed her a pair of pajama's.
"Get dressed and I'll meet you back in the living room." Brittany kissed the top of Santana's head before walking out of the room.
A few minutes later Santana emerged from the bedroom and moved towards the couch where Brittany was sitting. Brittany had turned on the fireplace and the tv. "Come here." Brittany said softly causing Santana to sit closer to her. Shaking her head Brittany wrapped her arms around Santana and brought her down on top of her. They laughed and giggled as the show started. They laid on their sides as Brittany wrapped and arm around Santana's waist holding her close, pulling the throw blanket onto them from off the back of the couch.
A half hour into the movie Santana felt something crush her feet at the end of the couch. She nearly jumped into action right then and there as she looked towards where her feet were. "What the hell is that!" She said as she saw a round silhouette.
Brittany laughed and turned on the lamp. "That's just Lord Tubbington." The cat made his way up the couch forcing his way between the two women. "Aww San look he likes you."
"How do you know that, because he just crushed my foot?"
"No because he's purring and he never purrs when someone else is around. Especially Rachel, he really doesn't like her."
Santana turned over so that she was now facing Brittany and Lord Tubbington. "Really? Hmm, I think we'll get along just well then Tubbs because between you and I, Berry can be a little much." Brittany just shook her head as she picked the cat up and set him on the back of the couch where he laid down.
Twenty minutes later the movie ended causing both women to get up and stretch, there was still ten minutes to midnight. The channel the cartoon had been on started to play Christmas music causing Brittany to take a hold of Santana's hand and spin her around. She led her around the couch to the open floor where she wrapped her free arm around Santana's waist. Lucky for her Santana followed her lead with ease as they started to dance around the room. Unlike the last time they had danced like this Brittany made no mistakes, she never hesitated, her movements were fluid and elegant.
"Have you taken a few lessons since the last time we met like this?" Santana asked with a grin on her face as she continued to follow Brittany's lead.
Brittany shook her head. "I've been taking dance lessons since I was three years old, Kylie is the one that needs lessons not me."
"Since you were three?" Santana asked as Brittany twirled her around.
"I've always loved to dance."
Santana grinned. "I suppose I did well with your Christmas present then." She was a little surprised herself.
"Yes you did."
Brittany stopped abruptly and pulled Santana closer. "Merry Christmas." She whispered.
"Merry Christmas."
A few minutes later they found themselves cuddled up in Brittany's bed with Lord Tubbington lying at their feet. "Are you really going to stay the night?" Brittany ask as she felt Santana move closer towards her.
"That was the plan unless you don't want me too."
"I absolutely want you too."
Santana smiled against the back of Brittany's neck. "I figured you might say that."
Present
It was the first time they had spent the night together since the night they shared in the tropics. Nothing beat waking up that morning in Santana's arms and getting to open a couple presents before they both had to head home to their families. With the thoughts of being in Santana's arms again on her mind Brittany fell asleep for the first time in days. She would stop at nothing to get Santana back.
To be continued…
A/N: This is by far the longest chapter I have ever written! I don't know why but I just couldn't stop writing it, apparently I'm in the Christmas spirit already haha. Hope you all liked it, I thought it was time for some fluff